round 2: upper body lift - need advice

This board has been so valuable to me!!  You all helped me so much going through my LBL last year.  I can't believe in 3 months I have my next surgery.  I am doing arms and getting the girls yanked up.  The Dr. said he would have a seam going from elbow to armpit and then from armpit down my side.  He will be pulling in that dang muffin top that was left over from the LBL.He said swelling is an issue because of the seams.

Questions:  compared to LBL, was the upperbody easier or harder? How long till you were able to hit the gym hard?

Any words of wisdom for me as I prepare?  I am working hard to drop a little weight ahead of the surgery.  I have maintained for over a year now but would really like about 10 more gone so working on that.

Thank you in advance, I really do appreciate each of you and the pictures you post.  Such an encouragement to me!!!

I had fleur de lis (anchor cut) and brachioplasty 6 weeks ago - so my experience will differ from yours.

My arm lift incisions go from about 1 inch below elbow in forearm through my armpit.  The armpits were difficult and ea*****ision in the armpit opened some .  You will have problems putting arms out in front, reaching up and reaching behind.

You won't be able to put things on over your head.  Have tops that button in front and I had open closure bras because I couldn't reach behind me.

Put things you need at countertop level or have a stool to step on to reach things in upper or lower cupboards (sit on stool for lower cupboard).

I also could not reach the upper "rod" in my closet to get clothes off hangars.  I'm short - but at 6 weeks post op I can now get on tip toes to get hangars down.

I also arranged things in refrigerator so I didn't have to reach.  I made a little "nest" all around my chair with anything I would need.

I had a 5# weight limit for the first month (maybe because of TT?) so buy 1/2 gallon on milk, etc.

May need help with seat belt as I couldn't reach up and over to retrieve it.

Just think of things you do to extend and reach and make it easier for yourself.  Those are the things that helped.  Having hubby at home for 10 days was wonderful.  He was always picking up things I dropped on the floor (with TT I just couldn't bend over).

Best wishes.

 wow that really puts it in perspective!!  I sure wasn't thinking I wouldn't be able to put a shirt on but it totally makes sense. You are 6 weeks out so at least I know that by 6 weeks I will be doing much better.  This is temporary!  I will keep repeating that.

oh my goodness, are we gonna be ps surgery sistas yet again this year???? lol

I have my round two scheduled for Sept. 26th. I'm having bl (no aug); tt revision, medial thigh.

and, will your hubby be in town this time?

And like last time, I'll be following your posts, and this one was so timely for me.

OK, so up that protein again, get in that iron, yadda yadda lol

 How funny Rhonda!!!  Yes, he will be in town this time.  It is going to be Oct 5th.  I am already focusing on protein and all that plus trying to get rid of another 10 lbs.  I have a couple of triathlons coming up so I will be in top health....well already am really so that should help.  

I am really worried about all the swelling this time.  I have carpel tunnel and I'm sure it going to aggrevate it.

Please post updates cuz I will be right behind you.  I want the thighs done but it will have to wait till october 2012.